Mary, grab the baby, the river's rising

Muddy water taking back the land

The old-frame house, she can't take-a one more beating

Ain't no use to stay and make a stand



Well the morning light shows water in the valley

Daddy's grave just went below the line

Things to say, you just can't take em with ya

This flood will swallow all you've left behind



Won't be back to start all over

Cause what I felt before is gone



Mary, take the child, the river's rising

Muddy water taking back my home

The road is gone, there's just one way to leave here

Turn my back on what I've left below

Shifting land, broken farms around me

Muddy water's changing all I know



It's hard to say just what I'm losing

Ain't never felt so all alone



Mary, take the child, the river's rising

Muddy water taking back my home



Won't be back to start all over

Cause what I felt before is gone



Mary, take the child, the river's rising

Muddy water's changing all I know

Muddy water's changing all I know

Lord, this muddy water is taking back my home